There’s a number of things about education that are uplifting. Seeing that breakthrough in a student’s understanding. Working with a family until they “get it” about how to help their child. For my specialty, being there when a child makes a communication breakthrough (not a breakdown like Led Zeppelin). These are all reasons to “come back tomorrow.” These are all reasons why education can be a noble profession.
Scheduling is not one of those reasons.
Time spent in June reviewing potential students for support services. Time spent in May and June projecting when teachers would have prep periods. Time spent in May, June, and July figuring how to wedge in school district initiatives in limited time. Time spent in August planning ahead for scheduling. Time spent in September reviewing said plans and making a schedule for support services.
Starting to work with kids… and then re-doing the schedule.
When I consider things that are soul-crushing, scheduling is one of them. Yes, there are hacks for scheduling. Yes, some SLP or teacher bloggers will show you a way to make it easy until a new student arrives or a different student needs support.
Have you ever heard of a “tuppe-lanche?” It’s when you pull that one Tupperware out and everything falls out of your cabinet. The same thing happens with scheduling in schools. Pull one part out and everything collapses. Add one part and a teetering mish-mosh becomes a “schedule-lanche” waiting to happen.
So, yes, scheduling is terrible. Helping kids is uplifting. In the end, everyone wants to get to their kids and everyone wants to be there for the students. Like any job, there are hurdles to jump. Some crush you more than others.
